Old Goa MLA Rajesh Faldessai on Monday threw open the state level São João celebrations organised at the helipad at Dauji in Old Goa and called on the people to soak in Goa’s traditional heritage.

Speaking after the inaugural, Faldessai said that the celebration organised by the Goa Tourism development Corporation offered an opportunity not just for locals but also for tourists to soak in Goa’s culture and heritage.

“Festivals like these are the opportunity to savour Goa’s cultural heritage. There are several stalls that have been put up by NGOs at which you can taste traditional Goan food and bands playing Goan music,” Faldessai said.

He thanked Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for allowing the Cumbarjua constituency to host the São João festivities for a second year in a row.

“Last year we organised the festival in Old Goa for the first time and this year we will take it forward with an even bigger celebration with the help of music, food, dance and music,” Faldessai added.

Tourists with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation and others visited the festival on Monday morning.

He added that between 10,000 to 15,000 people were expected to participate in the event at Old Goa.